Technological features of the use of cement mortar imply its solidification when pouring into a mold, formwork or on any surface, if the composition is prepared in accordance with existing requirements and observing the proportional ratio of structural components. But it enters its highest form of strength within a certain amount of time.
While the structural building material has gained the appropriate level of strength, it is impossible to apply a load to its surface, because the risk of its cracking and deformation is high. The article will cover each stage of concrete mix transformation, as well as each factor in the composition of those that affect this process.
Stages and full term of concrete layer creation
Concrete of a typical type hardens in 30 days. If we are talking about creating heavy-duty foundations for buildings, structures or industrial equipment, then this period is doubled or even tripled (about 90 days). In everyday conditions (creating a screed, laying ceramic tiles, arranging concrete pavements or paths), you can move on the surface after 72 hours. At the same time, the stages of concrete layer formation are distinguished:
- at the first stage, concrete sets (it begins to gain strength);
- on the second hardening of cement, when, in fact, the mixture gets its most effective form.
Cement setting is one of the most important parameters for binders. The rate of manifestation of this property is affected by the ambient temperature. In the warm season under direct sunlight (20-22 degrees Celsius) this stage usually takes place over a 2-3-hour period of time. When the temperature regime fluctuates within 0 degrees, we are talking about a minimum of 20-hour interval.
Important! When drying has just begun, you can not perform any actions with the concrete layer, because it remains mobile-the first stage can be significantly delayed.
Regulatory and technical requirements in modern construction indicate that after setting the cement layer, it hardens. For most structural building materials, this stage takes place over a 30-day period. Full-fledged solidification refers to a set of concrete forms that are sufficient to start the next construction stage of work, such as finishing the floor or walls, according to the plan.
It is worth noting that the specified time intervals in which the concrete layer dries are relevant when the optimal temperature and humidity level for the indoor air is maintained. Then the layer can harden faster, especially when using high-quality consumable raw materials.
Important! To achieve the optimal shape of the layers, it is necessary to observe the proportions when mixing structural compositions (properly dilute them with water, strengthen them with high-quality additives). Then the brand of the resulting concrete mass will have the desired value. It will be guaranteed a fast solidification process both in the pouring activity and when creating masonry blocks.